Impressive performances from England Combined Eventers

Over the weekend, ten talented athletes had the honour of representing England at the Mary Peters Athletics Track in Belfast. Renowned for its heritage and world-class facilities, the venue provided an ideal backdrop for a series of impressive performances across decathlon and heptathlon against the other Home Nations.

Despite varied weather conditions - most notably a wet and testing Sunday - the athletes delivered commendable results, achieving personal bests and demonstrating both commitment and potential on the international stage. The event also marked a significant milestone, with six athletes and three coaches making their England international debut. Their involvement, alongside more seasoned team members, underscored the emerging promise of combined eventers in England.

Senior Men's Decathlon

The Senior Men's Decathlon was a highlight of the weekend, with Stephen Simmons (Tonbridge AC, David Hull) producing a remarkable performance. His efforts culminated in setting a new stadium record at the Mary Peters Track - an achievement underpinned by consistency and exceptional preparation. Stephen's standout moments included a 7.23m long jump, a 1.93m high jump, a swift 400m time of 49.17s, and a strong 4.60m pole vault - each a personal best. These performances not only demonstrated his technical progress but also secured him the top position in the overall standings.

Ollie Adnitt (Hull AC, Paul Harrison) also made a notable contribution, delivering consistent results on day 1. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from continuing into day 2. Despite this, he remained an active and encouraging presence throughout the weekend, embodying excellent leadership and team spirit as the designated men's team captain.

Senior Women's Heptathlon 

 
In the Women's Senior Heptathlon, Lily Holt (Shaftesbury Barnet/Birmingham Uni, Rafer Joseph) delivered a brilliant performance, finishing with a personal best score overall of 5119 points. She set new PBs in the high jump (1.77m), shot put (10.55m), and long jump (5.78m), and maintained her form with a 27.12m throw in the javelin. Her consistent results earned her the top spot in her age group.

Women's team captain Neve Davenport (Trafford AC, Jess Taylor-Jemmett) also impressed with strong performances, including a long jump PB of 5.63m and solid showings in both the high jump and shot put. An injury unfortunately prevented her from completing Day 2, but her leadership and determination were evident throughout the competition.

U20 Men's Decathlon

The U20 Men's Decathlon was a compelling display of talent. All three athletes contributed impressive efforts, setting several personal bests along the way.

Kieran Bouwmeester-Reid (St Mary's Richmond, Kim Weir / Tom Farres) led from the front, producing a superb all-round performance. His PBs included a 14.98m shot put, a 49.68s 400m, and a 15.15s 110m hurdles. With a final score of 7287 points, he achieved a championship best performance! This was previously held by his teammate and Captain - Ollie Adnitt.

Ryan McCaffery (Sale Harriers, Alex Wort) also had an excellent showing as he completed his first international competition, earning a PB total of 6769 points. Highlights included a 50.64s 400m, a 39.59m discus throw, and a confident 4.10m pole vault clearance.

Tom Bennett (Taunton AC) opened strongly with an 11.01s 100m, followed by a 6.99m long jump, but an injury ended his campaign prematurely. Nevertheless, he remained fully engaged, offering support to his teammates and contributing to the team's positive dynamic throughout the weekend.

U20 Women's Heptathlon

The U20 Women's Heptathlon team delivered a standout team performance, culminating in an overall win for England. Each athlete brought energy, focus, and determination to their events.

Isla Pain (Cheltenham, Paul Harrison) shone across the board, setting personal bests in the long jump (5.43m) and 800m (2:25). Her strong performances across all seven events earned her an impressive total of 4765 points, reflecting both consistency and growth in her athletic development.

Caitlin Bell (Norwich City, Dennis Costello) demonstrated remarkable consistency, performing solidly across the two-day competition. Her ability to maintain form under pressure was a reflection of her strong preparation.

Hannah Wilson (Gateshead, Rob Wilson) showcased her versatility, particularly excelling in the jumping events. Her confident debut was marked by composure and competitiveness, and her 200m run displayed both strength and endurance, contributing crucially to the team's overall tally.

The women's efforts not only secured the team victory but also highlighted the rising standard of England's young heptathletes.

Results

Senior Men Decathlon
1st: Stephen Simmons (Tonbridge AC, David Hull) 7520 points
DNF: Ollie Adnitt (Hull AC, Paul Harrison)
 
Senior Women Heptathlon
1st: Lily Holt (Shaftesbury Barnet/Birmingham Uni, Rafer Joseph) 5119 points
DNF: Neve Davenport (Trafford AC/Jess Taylor-Jemmett)
 
U20 Men Decathlon
1st: Kieran Bouwmeester-Reid (St Mary's Richmond, Kim Weir / Tom Farres) 7287 points
2nd: Ryan McCaffery (Sale Harriers, Alex Wort) 6769 points
DNF: Tom Bennett (Taunton AC)
 
U20 Women Heptathlon
1st: Isla Pain (Cheltenham, Paul Harrison) 4756 points
2nd: Caitlin Bell (Norwich City, Dennis Costello) 4614 points
3rd: Hannah Wilson (Gateshead, Rob Wilson) 4411 points

All athletes were supported by the following staff members:
Team Lead - Alex Wort (Sale Harriers Manchester)
Team Coach - Diane Norman (Epsom & Ewell Harriers)
Team Coach - Lewis Church (Tonbridge AC)
Team Physio - Kim Saha (Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC)

Photos by Colin Lavery